Audible Beacon Device (ABD) Programming Guide

Overview

The Audible Beacon Device can be configured using the PedConnex programming interface. Configuration is performed wirelessly using Bluetooth through a compatible Android mobile device.

Programming allows technicians to adjust operational settings, update audio files, configure volume levels, and manage station profiles.

These configuration options allow the Audible Beacon Device to be tailored to the requirements of each installation.

Programming Requirements

To program the Audible Beacon Device, the following equipment is required:

• Android phone or tablet
• PedConnex Mobile Application
• Bluetooth enabled on the mobile device
• Audible Beacon Device powered and within communication range

Android devices must support Android version 6.0 or newer.

Connecting to the Device

Follow these steps to connect to the Audible Beacon Device.

1. Open the PedConnex mobile application.
2. The application will automatically scan for stations within Bluetooth range.
3. Select the desired station from the available device list.
4. Enter the station passcode when prompted.
5. After entering the passcode, the configuration menu will become available.

Each device will appear in the station list using its station identification number.

Configuration Menu

After connecting to the device, the Configuration menu displays the current operational settings.

Common configuration options include:

• APS Mode
• Extended Press Time
• Locator Period
• Walk Timeout
• Acknowledgement Repeat Time
• Clearance Mode
• Sync Call
• Vibration Intensity
• Vibration Pulse Time
• Location name
• Intersection identification

These settings control how the Audible Beacon Device behaves during pedestrian operation.

To modify any configuration value, select the Configure option and adjust the desired parameter.

Audio Configuration

The Audible Beacon Device supports multiple audio categories used during pedestrian operation.

Audio categories include:

• Locator
• Acknowledgement
• Extended Press
• Walk
• Clearance
• Countdown

Each audio category can be managed within the Audio configuration menu.

Technicians can perform the following actions:

• Play the currently installed audio file
• Delete the existing audio file
• Replace the audio file with a new file
• Save a copy of the audio file to the mobile device

Audio files must be recorded at a maximum sample rate of 16 kHz.

Depending on file size, transferring audio files to the device may take several minutes.

Adding New Audio Files

New audio files can be uploaded to the Audible Beacon Device from the mobile device library.

1. Navigate to the desired audio category.
2. Select the add file option.
3. Choose the audio file from the device storage.
4. Confirm the file transfer to the station.

Once uploaded, the new file will replace the existing audio file for that category.

Volume and Night Mode Configuration

Volume levels can be independently configured for daytime and nighttime operation.

Available controls include:

• Daytime locator tone volume
• Daytime non-locator audio volume
• Nighttime locator tone volume
• Nighttime non-locator audio volume
• Night mode start time
• Night mode end time

Night mode allows installations to reduce sound levels during nighttime hours while maintaining accessibility.

Firmware Information

The Firmware menu displays the software version installed on the Audible Beacon Device.

This section provides information for:

• Device firmware version
• Bootloader version
• Application version

Firmware information may be required when contacting technical support.

Time Settings

The Time Settings menu allows technicians to configure the device clock.

Steps to update the station time:

1. Open the Time Settings menu.
2. Select the station time field.
3. Adjust the hour and minute values.
4. Confirm the updated time.
5. Set the station date.
6. Save the updated time and date.

The device clock is used for features such as night mode scheduling.

Station Profiles

Station profiles allow technicians to save configuration settings and reuse them on other devices.

Profiles may contain:

• Configuration parameters
• Volume settings
• Night mode settings

To create a profile:

1. Open the Save Profile option.
2. Enter a profile name.
3. Save the configuration.

Saved profiles can be loaded later when configuring additional devices at the same intersection or deployment.

Device Identification

Technicians can modify the device name using the Rename Device option.

Updating the station name can help identify the device location during future maintenance or configuration.

Passcode Management

Each Audible Beacon Device is protected by a security passcode.

The passcode can be changed through the Security Passcode menu.

If the passcode is lost or forgotten, the device must be returned to the manufacturer to reset the passcode.

Saving Configuration Changes

Any configuration changes made in the PedConnex application must be saved to the device.

When a setting is modified, the application will indicate that unsaved changes are present.

To apply changes:

1. Save the configuration to the station.
2. Confirm that the updated settings are stored on the device.

If changes are not saved, the device will continue operating with the previous configuration.

Troubleshooting

Audio Does Not Play

If the technician disconnects incorrectly from the station, audio playback may stop.

Reconnect to the station and properly disconnect through the application.

Power cycling the device may also restore normal operation.

Unable to Connect to the Device

If the mobile application cannot connect to the device:

• Verify Bluetooth is enabled
• Confirm the device is powered
• Move closer to the device
• Restart the PedConnex application

Configuration Changes Not Applied

Ensure the configuration has been saved to the station.

Unsaved changes will not be applied to the device.

Technical Support Preparation

Before contacting technical support, technicians should have the following information available:

• Device station ID number
• Device CC number
• Firmware version
• Description of the issue

This information can typically be found on the device label or within the PedConnex application.